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Equipment grounding and bonding in Canada follows CEC Section 10, with bonding conductor sizes determined by CEC Table 16. This parallels the NEC's Section 250 and Table 250.122, but Canadian practice uses different terminology and somewhat different sizing criteria.
In CEC terminology, what the NEC calls an "equipment grounding conductor" (EGC) is referred to as an "equipment bonding conductor" (EBC) in the CEC. The Canadian term "grounding conductor" refers specifically to the conductor connecting the system to earth (the NEC's "grounding electrode conductor"). This terminology difference is a common source of confusion for electricians working across the Canada-US border.
CEC Table 16 provides the minimum bonding conductor size based on the rating of the overcurrent protection device protecting the circuit. For a 20A OCPD, Table 16 specifies a minimum 14 AWG copper bonding conductor (same as NEC Table 250.122 for 20A). For larger OCPDs, Table 16 values parallel NEC Table 250.122 with minor differences at some ampacity breakpoints.
CEC Section 10 also covers grounding electrode system requirements for Canadian installations. Canada uses the same general approach as the NEC — grounding electrodes at the service entrance, bonding of water pipe, building steel, and supplemental electrodes — but the specific requirements for electrode types, sizing, and connection methods are defined in CEC Section 10 rules rather than NEC 250.50 et seq.
For Canadian permit submissions, the grounding and bonding conductor sizes must reference CEC Table 16 and Section 10, not NEC Table 250.122 or Section 250. SparkShift's grounding calculator applies CEC Table 16 values when Canadian mode is selected.
SparkShift pre-selects CEC mode. Results cite CEC rules (Section 10) for permit documentation.
Open CEC grounding calculator →Each Canadian province and territory has adopted a version of the CEC. Verify the adopted edition and local amendments with your AHJ.
The CEC calls it an 'equipment bonding conductor' (EBC). The NEC term 'equipment grounding conductor' (EGC) has the same function. In the CEC, 'grounding conductor' refers specifically to the grounding electrode conductor connecting to earth.
CEC Table 16 provides minimum equipment bonding conductor sizes based on the rating of the OCPD protecting the circuit. Values are similar to NEC Table 250.122.
Yes. CEC Section 10 requires a grounding electrode system at the service entrance, including connection to available building metallic water pipe, building steel, and supplemental electrodes where needed. The requirements parallel NEC Article 250.50 but are defined in CEC Section 10 rules.
Ontario's OESC (Ontario Electrical Safety Code) incorporates CEC Section 10 grounding and bonding requirements with some Ontario-specific amendments. Permit drawings and inspection requests must reference the OESC edition, not the CEC directly. The ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) enforces these requirements.
Disclaimer: SparkShift calculators are provided for informational purposes. Always verify calculations against the adopted CEC edition in your province and confirm requirements with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before commencing work. The CEC edition adopted may differ by province — Ontario uses the OESC, BC uses the BC Electrical Safety Regulation, and other provinces have their own adopted editions.